Facing Mortality Together - Spring class

In the Christian faith tradition, there are rituals, readings, and liturgies that remind Christians again and again that death has been overcome by the resurrection of Christ.

And yet. We also continue to live in a world marred by disease and debilitation, a world in which each of us will experience loss of loved ones and perhaps wrestle with some of these questions as we face mortality:

"How do we hold both the hope of the resurrection and our physical realities?"

"What does living well look like even as we prepare for the end of life?"

"Can stewardship in life include stewardship of death?"

"How do I make peace with my own mortality?"

These questions and others are addressed in “Facing Mortality Together,” Here to Honor’s intro to death education class for churches, designed to help both clergy and congregants grow in language, fluency, and comfort in talking about the difficult topics that surround death.

This one-day class provides space for learning and discussion, drawing from research and expertise while also inviting the sharing of personal experiences as we examine the practical, relational, and spiritual spheres of needs and concerns around death.

Participants will:

* reflect on personal values and beliefs

* learn about mortality contemplation

* explore ways to engage in conversations and provide care around end-of-life issues

This class is presented as three sessions in one day (May 2) and a follow-up session on Zoom (May 4).

"Facing Mortality Together" is meant to be a purposeful pause on the calendar—space and time devoted to becoming more death literate and attuned to our personal mortality. We strongly believe that in doing this work for ourselves, we become better equipped to walk with others on the end-of-life journey.

SESSION 1

• Identify social, cultural, technological, historical, and medical factors that shape our views on death

• Refer to the Ars Moriendi and adapt “The Art of Dying” tenets to modern times

• Discuss the concept of “dying well” and consider the definitions of a “good death”

SESSION 2

• Examine the importance of acknowledging our finitude

• Discover ways to “hold space” for mortality

• Practice integrating end-of-life perspective into our day-to-day

SESSION 3

• Demystify basic end-of-life planning

• Consider the paperwork and people involved at end of life

• Recognize ways to build support networks and expand one’s community

SESSION 4 (ZOOM) - May 4, 7pm-8pm

• Take a closer look at end-of-life planning paperwork

Saturday, May 2 schedule overview:

9:30am: Check-in
10:00am-12:00pm: First Session
12:00-12:30pm: Lunch break (lunch included)
12:30pm-2:30pm: Second Session
2:30pm-4:30pm: Third Session & Wrap-up

About Here to Honor
Since its founding in 2020, Here to Honor has envisioned end of life as a journey that can actually lead to stronger relationships and being more fully engaged in the present. We believe that death, as a shared human experience, can be approached with hope and togetherness. Our mission is to cultivate community around end-of-life learning so that everyone feels supported in facing mortality and equipped to make informed decisions.
https://heretohonor.com/